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M.,A. LQWM.` REIN 0R STRAP GUIDE.`

NQ. 577,191. Patented Feb. 16,1897.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MARK A. LOVRY, OF CHELSEA, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO ARCI-IIE W. WILKINSON, OF SAME PLACE.

REIN OR STRAP GUIDE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 577,191, dated February 16, 189'?.A Application filed April 2S, 1896. Serial No. 588,771.. (No model.)

To a/ZZ whom, t may concern:

Be it known that I, MARK A. LOWRY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chelsea, in the county of Washtenaw and State of Michigan have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Rein or Strap Guides, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention consists in the construction of a rein guide and support for harness; and it consists in the construction of a loop or an eye which may readily be attached to any desired part of the harness-for instance, to the hip-straps or neck-straps, or both-to serve as a guide for the reins, so that they cannotengage over the end of the shafts or so that they will not rest on the horse to cause him to lather in warm weather, to prevent the animal from switching the reins under his tail, and prevent lines catching under buckles and end of straps on hip-straps. It may be used in any other place where a guide or eye isdesired to be used.

The invention further consists in the construction, arrangement, and combination of the various parts, all as more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved device, showing it detached and the key removed. Figs. 2 and 3 are sections through it, showing the parts in diiferent positions.

My device I form in the shape of a ring or an eye,preferably of thin sheet metal, (or other suitable material,) by bending it into the desired shape with the ends overlapping. For the purpose of more easily describing it I will refer to the different sides by different letters.

A is the base, preferably straight, and at each end are the apertures B in. the slightlyinclined end or base portions C.

D are the ends, and E the top, preferably formed as a spring-bar extending over the entire top and overlapping the opposite end F,

as shown, and which may project far enough to form a linger-hold under the end, as shown in Fig. 2; but this I do not consider ordinarily desirable.

To apply it, the strap to which it is to be secured is passed through the apertures B, as shown in Fig. 2, and then a spring-key II is forced through above the strap and engaged between the strap and the edge of the apertures, as shown in Fig. 3, securely holding it in position. This key preferably has a lip G, by means of which it may be withdrawn or pushed into place.

This loop or eye forms an ornamental attachment to a harness, and the rein may either be threaded through or engaged by lifting the spring-bar E, as shown in Eig. 3.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. A rein or strap guide, consisting of astri p of metal bent into a loop or eye, and having apertures in its opposite ends near the base through which the securing-strap passes, and a key passing through the apertures and spanning the intermediate space whereby the portions of the strap between the apertures are held in engagement with the base of the loop.

2. A rein or strap guide consisting of a loop or eye formed of a single piece of sheet metal bent into the form desired with overlapping ends, having opposite apertures near the base, and a key substantially as described.

3. A rein or strap guide consisting of a single piece of sheet metal bent to form the base A, inclined base or end sections Chaving apert-ures B therein, the ends, and the top, the latter formed by the spring-bar E overlapping the opposite end, and the spring-key H having the nger-piece G, the parts arranged as and for the purpose described.

In testimony whereof I afX my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MARK A. LOWRY.

Witnesses:

JOHN S. CUMMINGS, ORRIN T. HoovEE. 

